GUSWENTA GATHERING

The Guswenta Wampum Belt, commonly referred to as the Two Row Wampum, is a mutual treaty agreement created in 1613 between the Haudenosaunee people and the Dutch settlers. The Belt ensures both parties conduct themselves in all proceedings as equals, contemporaries, each traveling in their own canoe without interrupting the other’s path.

Programmed by Falen Johnson and Cole Alvis, the Guswenta Gathering brings Indigenous artists to Soulpepper with presentations of theatre, dance, music and art. Programming will highlight art that speaks to the lands and waterways where The Young Centre for the Performing Arts sits.

HUFF

After his mother’s death, Wind’s fantastic dream world bleeds into reality when he’s preyed on by the Trickster. With biting humour, and raw imagery, Cliff Cardinal’s award-winning solo show shines an unflinching light on life on the Reserve.

NEOINDIGENA

SANTEE SMITH. KAHA:WI DANCE THEATRE

A solo call for connection, transformation and healing NeoIndigenA is a performance of the soul exploring our relationship to all living entities and elements. It is transcendent and primordial fiercely cycling through sacred portals between Skyworld, Earthworld and Underworld. Santee Smith’s solo journey encompasses past, present, future in one body and space, awakening ancient ways of knowing and spiritual renewal. NeoIndigenA searches for sacred pathways of human connection to self and universe.

FIRST STORY BUS TOUR

PRESENTED IN COLLABORATION WITH FIRST STORY TORONTO

Toronto’s lands and waterways have been a crossroads for thriving nations since time immemorial. Jon Johnson and First Story Toronto invite you on an interactive bus tour of Indigenous landscapes that activates stories of accomplishment, struggle, and resilience. 3.5 hours, departs from and returns to the Distillery District. Please meet in the atrium of the Young Centre for the Performing Arts.

NIITSITAPIISIN / OUR BLACKFOOT WAYS

Join Soulpepper Academy Graduate and multi-disciplinary artist Justin Many Fingers for Niitsitapiisin (Nii-tist-a-pii-sin), a free dance workshop inspired by his practice of Blackfoot Indigenous performing arts. Over several years Justin has worked with elders in his community, examining Blackfoot structures that have existed for over 13,000 years in language, movement and dance, and voice and music. This workshop offers audiences a physical exploration with an Indigenous perspective of a Blackfoot creation and body awareness – please come dressed comfortably for movement.

SPEAKER SERIES: LAND AND STORY

How does the history of the land we stand on impact art and practice? The second installment of the Speaker Series focuses on land and our relationship to it, including land acknowledgements, ceremony and story.